Chapter 6 — The Change

[Hoobae – a younger colleague at school or work.

Soju – Korean alcohol, similar to vodka.]

During the meal Soo Min got to know quite a lot about Hyun Woo's family. His father, Jung Hyun Jun, was an officer in The Combat Police division of the Seoul Police Agency, and when Hyun Woo was only 10 years old, he died in action during one of the more violent riots, being only 35 years old. Since then, Mrs. Yoon raised her son alone with the help of her and her husband's family. She also got compensation from the police and with that money she opened a small restaurant. However, when Hyun Woo graduated from Police Academy and started working at the Gwangju police station, Mrs. Yoon handed the restaurant over to her sister's daughter. She only dealt with restaurant finances and orders of products needed for cooking now.

Hyun Woo, just like Soo Min, didn't have any siblings, but was so popular at school that he didn't need any. However, Hyun Woo wasn't popular because of his appearance, but mainly because he has always been very empathetic towards people. He was ready to listen and comfort others, always trying to look for positives in almost every situation. Mrs. Yoon said that he definitely inherited this traits from his father and was able to comfort her many times, especially after the death of Mr. Jung. Hyun Woo, although being only 10 years old when he lost his father, accepted this loss better than many adults would.

Soo Min was very impressed, since as a teenager she made drama for sometimes really stupid reasons. And cause she had a tongue as sharp as her mother, they were arguing all the time. Only Soo Min's father could reconcile them, but was rarely at home because he was also a policeman. Kim Sang Ho, because that was his name, was still alive tough, unlike Hyun Woo's father. He retired few years ago and now used his free time mainly for fishing and sometimes taking his wife, and Soo Min's mother, on trips. The father never insisted that Soo Min should get married as soon as possible and tried to convince his wife, but failed to win over her arguments nowadays. When Soo Min complained about her mother's behavior, father only said that he was probably too old to convince his wife and she will have to endure it somehow. Soo Min, however, did not blame her father, she saw how tired he was after each serious conversation with mother. Knowing the situation of Hyun Woo, Soo Min thought that maybe she should treat her parents a little better? Especially mother. Soo Min knew that she wanted all the best for her. Would going on one date cost so much? Soo Min thought that maybe she would let it go once or twice to calm her mother down. In the end, she could go and say afterwards that between her and candidate for husband there was no spark. She was sure that mother would not force her to marry someone whom Soo Min would not love. After all, her mother clearly said many times that she was mainly angry that Soo Min wasn't even trying to meet some men to have the opportunity to fall in love. Besides, maybe these dates will not be so bad? Soo Min remembered that she liked to go on dates, especially in high school and while studying at the police academy, although she focused more on studying then. But she was generally discouraged from doing this after starting work in the police. However, now, seeing that not every guy is the same as Joo Chan, also thanks to working with Hyun Woo, Soo Min regained hope and began to think about "coming back to the game". After all, did she anything missing? Certainly not. If she wanted, Soo Min could wrap every guy around her finger.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After the meal Hyun Woo helped his mother wash the dishes. Soo Min also wanted to join, but Mrs. Yoon asked her to take care of the dog, because Min Hee followed Hyun Woo into the kitchen and disturbed cleaning a little, and with her going under his feet, Hyun Woo could smash something.

"Our Min Hee likes you so much, detective Kim. Can you entertain her somehow until we are done?" asked Mrs. Yoon. "It would really help us a lot. Normally, when Min Hee is alone with me at home, she is calmer. But when Hyun Woo or other guests come, you can't chase her away." she added after a while.

"Well, no problem." Soo Min agreed without undue hesitation. Although she spent quite a short time with Min Hee, Soo Min really liked this dog. "I will gladly take care of her." she assured, and when the satisfied Mrs. Yoon went to the kitchen, Soo Min called Min Hee and began to play with her.

When Hyun Woo finished helping his mother, then along with Soo Min said goodbye and left the apartment. Then they took the elevator down, left the apartment block, headed for the parking lot and got into the car. Of course, this time Soo Min took the driver's place again and Hyun Woo the passenger's seat. They fastened their seat belts and Soo Min started off the car park onto the street leading to the exit from Gwangju, towards Seoul. It was already getting dark, so they probably won't be able to do anything more today than taking the car to the parking lot at the police station and writing down a report about the conversations they had today.

"Hyun Woo." Soo Min said when they stood at the traffic light.

"Yes, Sunbae?" he asked, directing all his attention from the view outside the window at her.

"I think we should add Ye Eun's brother to the list of suspects." she announced, causing a shock on her partner's face.

"I don't understand, Sunbae... Why?" asked Hyun Woo, slightly confused.

"Have you watched him closely? Because I did, and I think he behave suspiciously." Soo Min began to speak, moving the car forward when the green light came out, and focusing her eyes on the road. "I know that Choi Hyun Sik may be introverted, but that does not change the fact that he seemed too calm for the disappearance of his beloved sister, with whom he apparently had such good contact." she added after a moment.

"But he showed some emotions. It may have turned out looking strange, but this is quite normal with people who are not able to express their emotions well, such as introverts." answered Hyun Woo. "Their expressions sometimes look unnatural because of shyness or embarrassment." he explained.

"Yes, I know." Soo Min replied, using another red light as a chance to glance at him. "But you have to be able to distinguish unnaturally expressed emotions by introverts from the ones that are faked deliberately and completely artificial." she pointed out, focusing her attention again on the road, because the light had changed again.

"I understand, Sunbae. But I don't really think Choi Hyun Sik is faking his emotions." replied Hyun Woo.

"Don't forget, there is also what Jang Chang Ho, the victim's fiancé, said." Soo Min. reminded him. "I know what her brother said about this theory, but I don't think Chang Ho has made all that up. After observing these two, I trust fiancé more than the brother." she added.

"I don't know..." Hyun Woo sighed. "I think we should think about it, wait until we talk to Seo In Sung, and review the list of Choi Ye Eun's psycho-fans. Maybe then we will choose who to put on the suspect list? How do you think, Sunbae?" he suggested.

"I guess you are right. I think I gone a little too far ahead." Soo Min sighed. "I just want to find Cherry Blossom Reaper as soon as possible before another girl will go missing or be murdered. But you are absolutely right, we must check all the leads." she agreed.

"Sunbae... We will find him. But before we chose someone, we need to be sure that it is the right person. If we make a decision too soon and put an innocent man in prison, we won't solve the case and young women will still be in danger." replied Hyun Woo.

Soo Min nodded slightly, then focused completely on driving. Hyun Woo also fell silent and first looked at the views outside the window, until finally his eyes closed. Soo Min woke him up only when they were in the parking lot outside the police station. They went inside literally for an hour to write reports based on Hyun Woo's notes that he made all day today and their joint observations. Then, again as the last, they left the room occupied by their Section.

"Do you want me to drive you home?" Soo Min suggested suddenly, looking at her partner, shortly after realizing that she didn't know why offered it to him. Maybe from gratitude? After all, he did a damn good job today. She was supposed to teach him, but sometimes Hyun Woo was able to teach her something.

"Seriously, Sunbae?" he asked, a wide smile appeared on his face and his eyes glittered.

"Do I look like I'm kidding?" Soo Min asked almost teasingly and once again surprised herself. Did she just tried to flirt with him? Now Soo Min was sure that she must finally go on one of the dates her mother organizes, if only to get rid of the desire to flirt with her work colleagues. Especially that Hyun Woo was attractive in many ways and gave Soo Min a lot of opportunities to tease him a little. She also had to honestly admit that the fact that he was younger than her was also encouraging. Soo Min remembered perfectly that while at the Police Academy, she liked to play like that with hoobaes. Maybe it wasn't nice because some of them really liked her, but she couldn't help it.

"Well, in that case I would be a fool not accepting the offer." Hyun Woo replied and followed Soo Min into the parking lot, towards her private car.

Soo Min unlocked the car's doors with one click on the small remote control attached to the keys. However, instead of getting in immediately from the passenger side, Hyun Woo opened the driver's door for her. Seeing him opening the door of her own car to be a gentleman, she laughed.

"Why are you doing it when it's my car?" asked Soo Min when she finally stopped laughing and got into the car.

"No matter whose car it is, the lady needs to be treated elegantly." Hyun Woo replied, giving her a charming smile. "Especially that we are after work, right?" he added, then walked around the car and got into it from the passenger side. Soo Min by this time already fastened her seat belt and put the keys in the ignition. When she started the engine, Hyun Woo finished fastening his seat belt and then gave her the address of the block in which he rented the apartment.

"Do you remember that tomorrow is Saturday and we have a meeting with our former Violent Crime Section Commander, officer Kim?" asked Soo Min, leaving the parking lot and going onto the street.

"Yes, I remember." Hyun Woo confirmed. "But can I really come? After all, I didn't really met him..." he added uncertainly.

"Of course you can. Officer Kim himself told me, when I spoke to him on the phone, that he wants to meet you." Soo Min assured him. "Besides, do you really want to leave me alone with these pigs in uniforms?" she asked later.

"But there will be an officer Kim there, so they probably would not dare to do anything." Hyun Woo noted.

"Maybe, but the restaurant we're going to belongs to the wife of officer Kim. He may be busy from time to time, wanting to help her." Soo Min replied.

"Well, I would probably come anyway. After all, I can't decline an invitation from sunabaes." said Hyun Woo, smiling slightly.

"That's good. You'll see, it won't be so bad." Soo Min answered. "Officer Kim is an idol for each of us in the Section, so you should get to know him. He is a great police officer and it's a pity you didn't manage to work with him." she added, sighing slightly.

"In that case, the more I will take the opportunity to meet him tomorrow." assured Hyun Woo.

Soo Min smiled at his words, then stopped under his block.

"This ride was way too short." said Hyun Woo, looking at his house. "See you tomorrow Sunbae." he added, unfastening the seat belt and opening the door.

"See you tomorrow." Soo Min replied, watching him get out of the car, shut the door and walking toward the apartment block. When he entered the building, Soo Min started the engine again and went to her house.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The next day, on Saturday, the entire Violent Crime Section met in a restaurant run by the wife of officer Kim. Soo Min, since she already knew the address where Hyun Woo lived, decided to pick him up on her way and drive to the restaurant. By the time they arrived to the place, Jung Mo stood outside smoking a cigarette. Han Eul, Dae Shim and Joo Chan were already inside the restaurant, sitting at one of the tables located by the window, that's why they were clearly seen.

"Hyun Woo hyung." Jung Mo's face brightened, seeing him. "Sunbae." then he bowed to Soo Min, which slightly surprised her. It was rare for Jung Mo to be so kind to her, but maybe because Joo Chan was usually with him.

"Hi, Jung Mo." Hyun Woo replied, smiling brightly.

"Hello." said Soo Min, looking at Jung Mo and even gave him a gentle smile. "Is everyone present?" she asked.

"Basically yes. Only Sang Kyu is not here yet, but he called officer Kim and informed that he would be a little late." answered Jung Mo, brushing ashes from the tip of his cigarette.

"Then maybe we will come in?" Hyun Woo turned to Soo Min, looking at her questioningly.

"Okay. I would like to say hello to officer Kim." Soo Min agreed.

Hearing her words, Hyun Woo once again opened the door for her and let in first, entering the restaurant right after. When their colleagues sitting at the table noticed that they were entering, Hyun Woo waved at them, sending a warm smile. Soo Min sighed slightly seeing this, because she still couldn't understand how he could be so nice to everyone.

"Soo Min, Hyun Woo, you're finally here." Dae Shim said as they approached the table, looking at them.

"Inseparable even after work." Han Eul said in a slightly teasing tone. "Admit it, Soo Min-ssi. I think you really like your partner, huh?" he asked with that annoying malicious smile she hated so much.

Soo Min already wanted to repay him with similarly sarcastic remark, but Hyun Woo was much faster and spoke up first.

"Hyung, you have something on your face, precisely on your lips. Some leftover red sauce or something like that..." he said, showing the place on his face, so he wouldn't have to touch Han Eul's and at the same time point at the place he was talking about. As expected, Han Eul reacted right away by taking the phone out of his pants pocket and using it as a mirror, without lighting up the screen.

"But I don't have anything there." said Han Eul and gave Hyun Woo a slightly confused look.

"I don't know, maybe I was wrong." Hyun Woo replied with an innocent expression. "But you do have very red lips, hyung. I thought it was after eating." he explained.

At the same moment, behind her back, Soo Min heard muffled laughter. She turned and saw that Sang Kyu was behind her. He probably came in recently and was just listening to the conversation, and Hyun Woo's words apparently made him laugh.

"It's a lip gloss, many idols also use it. And I take care of my lips." Han Eul replied proudly.

"I understand. Don't be offended, hyung..." Hyun Woo said again. "But I think that this kind of makeup probably seems to suit the stage more than meeting with friends." he added after a while and in such a nice tone that Han Eul wasn't able to answer him in any way. After all, he could not answer maliciously since Hyun Woo spoke to him so politely.

"In my opinion, this does not suit a man at all." Sung Kyu suddenly spoke up, probably for the first time saying openly what he really thought about Han Eul and his 'taking care of himself'. "You are not an idol, but a policeman. If you want to put on makeup, go to a talent agency and do not waste your time in the police," he added with a bit of malice, then walked over to Han Eul and patted lightly on his back, then sat between him and Joo Chan. Han Eul sighed in resignation, slipping the phone back into his pocket, then he took a sip of water from a metal cup. Probably the first time he gave up in the fight for arguments, because so far argued about everything and literally spewed malice. But probably like everyone else, Han Eul was surprised by the sudden activity of Sang Kyu in the conversation.

Nobody said a word, and Joo Chan just tried to stop his laughter. Soo Min was surprised by what just happened. She was impressed that Hyun Woo's statement somehow dared Sang Kyu to speak loudly his thoughts. Soo Min also thought that she was probably right about him, that he wasn't exactly agreeing with what Joo Chan and the rest were doing. Sang Kyu probably only needed someone like Hyun Woo who had a different opinion to get him to act and ensure that he wasn't the only one with a slightly different opinion than most of the male part of the Section.

"Soo Min!" the familiar voice of officer Kim snapped her out of this thoughts. She looked behind and saw him leaving the kitchen, going to the restaurant hall and heading toward her.

"Officer Kim. It's so nice to see you, Sunbae-nim." Soo Min smiled brightly as he came closer. They hugged each other slightly, then she used hands to point on her partner standing nearby. "This is Jung Hyun Woo, the new detective I told you about, officer Kim." she introduced him.

"Hello, Sunbae-nim." Hyun Woo said with due respect and even saluted, making officer Kim laugh slightly.

"Good, good. You don't have to say hello to me with that much respect." the man said after a moment. "Call me officer Kim, that's all I need." he added, patting him lightly on the shoulder.

"Okay, officer Kim." Hyun Woo corrected himself immediately, smiling broadly.

"I've heard a lot about you. And I'm not just talking about what they said on television." replied officer Kim. "Soo Min also told me a bit when she called me. And they were mainly praises." he admitted with a smile.

"Hyun Woo still has to learn a lot, but sometimes he also surprises me and I learn from him." Soo Min interjected.

"No wonder. Hyun Woo is a talented young man, since he solved such a serious case." officer Kim agreed, then looked at Hyun Woo. "As a more of intervention policeman, you did the detective's work. And that's why you certainly deserved to be promoted." he said to him.

"Thank you for such kind words, officer Kim." Hyun Woo replied. "I have also heard a lot about you, Sunbae. It is an honor for me to meet you, officer Kim." he added after a moment.

"You really are a very nice young man." replied officer Kim. "It's a shame I had retired and would not be able to meet you more often and watch your progress in person." he sighed lightly. "But I will have one tiny request of you." added officer Kim, looking on him significantly. Soo Min looked at him questioningly, but he only paid attention to Hyun Woo now, waiting for a reaction.

"Yes, I'm listening carefully." Hyun Woo replied without much hesitation. Officer Kim showed him to move a little bit closer so their conversation won't be overheard by the others sitting at the table.

"You've been working for a few days now and you probably noticed how colleagues of Soo Min can be." officer Kim began to speak, and Hyun Woo just nodded. "That was my biggest worry after retiring. I can see you are different from them, so please take care of Soo Min for me, okay?" he asked.

"Officer Kim, I really can take care of myself..." Soo Min wanted to interject.

"Of course I will." Hyun Woo assured firmly. "To be honest, I don't like the situation in our Section, so I will definitely try to help Soo Min Sunbae." he added, looking at her with a smile.

"It's very good, the stone fell from my heart." officer Kim admitted, and Soo Min, hearing the words of Hyun Woo, was unable to control the smile that wanted to show on her lips.

"In my station in Gwangju, the Chief was a woman. And it has always been ensured that every police officer was treated equally, regardless of rank, let alone gender." added Hyun Woo.

"I think we really have something to learn then." officer Kim admitted. "Let's sit down now." he pointed them to places next to him.

"Officer Kim!" suddenly the voice of Jung Mo could be heard, as he entered the restaurant and almost ran to him. "How are you, officer Kim? Is everything okay?" he asked right away.

"Jung Mo, hello." answered the man. "Yes, I'm healthy, everything is fine. Sit down, sit down. It is time for us to finally eat and drink something." he added with a smile.

When Jung Mo took the last free seat between Hyun Woo and Joo Chan, Sang Kyu began to talk about what had happened between Han Eul and Hyun Woo earlier, and he also boasted of his contribution to the conversation. Everyone laughed again, including officer Kim and praised Hyun Woo and Sang Kyu.

"Don't be so serious, Han Eul. After all, these were only jokes," said officer Kim, seeing the slightly sulking expression on the main character of the story face.

"Of course it is, hyung." assured Hyun Woo. "Besides, you are making fun of Soo Min Sunbae all the time. Together with Joo Chan Hyung, by the way," he added, looking at his other colleague significantly.

Joo Chan, hearing his name, almost choked on the water he drank after eating. Jung Mo, sitting next to him, turned red with shame because he knew without anyone pointing him out, that was also applauding Joo Chan himself and laughing on his jokes as one of the loudest. Hyun Woo saw his regretful facial expression clearly, which is why he left him alone and did not mention Jung Mo directly. It was the same with Dae Shim or Sung Kyu, they also looked visibly embarrassed, even if they did not take a really active part in verbal abuse of Soo Min, but they allowed it and apparently that was enough for them to feel silly. So Hyun Woo thought that they were not such assholes as the rest.

"Han Eul, don't be so serious." Joo Chan spoke up when had swallowed everything thoroughly. "Hyun Woo and officer Kim are right. These are just jokes, you can't be so offended. After all, nobody had bad intentions." he assured, and for a short moment looked at Soo Min, but meeting her surprised look, immediately stared down at his bowl.

"Jokes are nothing wrong if you do not cross borders." officer Kim began to talk. "I already told you about it many times and I hope that despite my absence you will remember about it." he pointed out, looking at the faces of all present. "And I am glad that Hyun Woo joined our Section, who, as I see, will probably remind you about it from time to time. I really admire his courage towards Hyung's, and besides, that's his polite and intelligent way of pointing out of the wrong behavior. I really hope that the rest of the men here will hide their pride into their pockets and, despite Hyun Woo's young age, will listen to his wise words." officer Kim continued. "He told me that at his police station in Gwangju officers watch closely so that everyone respects each other, regardless of gender. I would like us to take over this habit. Let's say this is my last wish as your former Commander. May we have a deal like this?" he asked.

Everyone agreed with officer Kim's words without much resistance, even Han Eul, although it was obvious that he was still a bit grumpy. Joo Chan seemed slightly embarrassed, probably because he was called so directly for the first time. Even officer Kim while being still the Section Commander, when pointing out Joo Chan's behavior, he did it so much more subtly and not so directly, like Hyun Woo did today.

"I would like you all to work in a nice atmosphere even after my departure. Then I will be able to rest calmly after I retire," summarized officer Kim, sending everyone his warm smile.

"Let's drink for it!" announced Jung Mo, according to his role wanting to cheer up the atmosphere again. He stood up with a bottle of soju in his hand and filled everyone's glasses, as the youngest person in the group.

Then everyone made a toast, drinking alcohol to the bottom. The atmosphere actually relaxed significantly and everyone took care of eating and sipping more glasses of soju. Conversations came down to memories of old times, funny and scary stories from work. Hyun Woo mainly listened to others, since he wanted to know the history of the Section a bit and besides, he was there for a short time and did not have much to talk about. He only answered questions when someone asked him about some stories related to his work in Gwangju. Especially officer Kim was very interested in the city itself and even mentioned that he would gladly move there in his old age. Then Soo Min mentioned how she and Hyun Woo went to Gwangju yesterday because of work, and also agreed that it was a beautiful city and a great place to relax.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When the small farewell party for officer Kim was over, Soo Min again offered to take Hyun Woo home, when they left the restaurant and were in the parking lot.

"Sunbae, I'm afraid we have to take a taxi or a bus." Hyun Woo told her. They both drank alcohol, Soo Min even more than he did, so driving the car by themselves was not an option.

"But I have a car..." Soo Min said, swaying slightly sideways, waving the keys right in front of his eyes.

"I know, but we both drank alcohol. Don't you think it would be bad for a couple of detectives to be caught by traffic police for driving under the influence?" Hyun Woo explained, then grabbed the keys and put them back into her purse.

"The couple..." said Soo Min, laughing like a teenage girl. "Do you like me so much, Hyun Woo?" she asked flirtatiously, looking at him. "Do you like this Noona?" she added after a moment, pointing at herself.

Hyun Woo had to admit that Soo Min looked really cute, quite different than when being at work and so serious. Frankly, he did not suspect that his partner has so much ageyo in her and is able to use it. He had to concentrate, however, which was not easy because alcohol made him feel a little bit confused too. But, since Hyun Woo certainly drank less than Soo Min, he felt responsible for bringing her home today.

"I thought you didn't want me to call you Noona." Hyun Woo replied a little bit teasingly, then led her to the bus stop, because he realized that didn't have enough money for a taxi, and he did not want to rummage in Soo Min's purse without her clear consent. Hyun Woo made Soo Min sit on the bench, and he started checking buses on schedule. He knew her address, because one day, out of curiosity, looked through the files of all members of the Violent Crime Section. He probably shouldn't have done it, but at this moment, he was grateful that he had.

"Hyun Woo-yah... You didn't answer my question." he heard Soo Min's voice and felt that she was pulling him by the material of his pants.

"Sunbae... We need to get home first." Hyun Woo replied, looking at her for a moment.

"Tell me now." she said in a firm tone, for a drunk person. Although it seemed very cute to him, because she looked like a spoiled child, who wants something now and don't want to wait.

"Yes, I like you, Sunbae." he finally answered, mainly so that she would leave him alone for a moment.

"Not Sunbae... Noona, call me Noona." she said so sweetly, that it caused a shock on his face. In the end, however, he only sighed slightly. She was drunk and that's why behaved like that. Soo Min probably won't remember it all the next day, so Hyun Woo decided to give up. He crouched down near the bench for a moment, looking at her.

"Okay. Yes, I like you, Noona." Hyun Woo told her then smiled slightly. Seeing that she instantly became frozen, as if a lightning struck her, he stood up and calmly checked the bus.

"What am I supposed to do now?" Soo Min covered face with her hands, seems to be ashamed as a little girl. "But it's such a nice feeling..." she added after a moment.

Hyun Woo, having checked when the bus would arrive, sat down next to her on the bench and, seeing Soo Min's behavior, grinned.

"Seriously, Noona..." he sighed slightly. "You had to be popular at school, huh? You probably broke many men hearts. You should really go on dates more, you are wasting your skills." Hyun Woo said with a slight amusement.

"Do you think I'm some kind of seducer?" Soo Min leaned closer to him, causing him to step back, since he didn't know what she had in mind.

"I did not say that." Hyun Woo immediately denied, feeling, however, that his heartbeat slightly accelerated. He felt a little stupid that just because of her closeness he was losing control like a high school student.

"Maybe I used to like to flirt with everyone..." suddenly Soo Min admitted, with more serious face expression. "But lately I feel really lonely." she continued, stepping away from him and trying to sit more or less straight. "I don't want to admit it, but my mother is a little right. I am not 20 anymore and it will be harder and harder for me to find someone." she sighed heavily, looking somewhere far away.

"Sunbae... Don't think that way." Hyun Woo replied. "If you want to know my opinion... For me you are a wonderful woman. Beautiful, intelligent and professional in carrying out your duties. But you also have a good heart and you can be really cute if you want." he admitted with a slight smile. "You just met a few assholes along the way, and lost your trust in men. But it seems to me that if you would go back to dating, hundreds of admirers will line up to spend a few minutes with you, Sunbae." Hyun Woo added at the end.

"Thanks for thinking so." Soo Min looked at him and smiled back.

At that moment their bus came up. Or rather the one who was going towards Soo Min's house. Hyun Woo decided that he could not let her go alone, so planned to walk her to the very apartment, door, if necessary. Hyun Woo took Soo Min's arm, helping her get up from the bench and led onto the bus, scanning his card and buying the ticket for both of them. Then he first seated her on one of the double seats, near the window, and at the end took his place next to her. After only a minute of bus ride, Soo Min fell asleep, resting head on Hyun Woo's shoulder, this time totally by herself. He watched her sleep for almost the entire ride, and when the bus stopped at the right stop, Hyun Woo woke her up and helped getting outside. It was a good ten minutes from the stop to her apartment block, and Soo Min was clearly reluctant to walk. That's why Hyun Woo, resigned, decided to take her piggyback. When they arrived, he led her to the building, then to the elevator and to the door of the apartment, as had promised to himself. There, Hyun Woo said goodbye to her, while ensuring that Soo Min enters the apartment. Then Hyun Woo returned to the bus stop, but on the other side of the road, because to get to his house, he had to go back a few stops. He managed to get home before midnight and considered it a success. He was very tired, so only took off his shoes and sweatshirt, which he was wearing and went immediately to bed. However, due to the events of the evening, mainly the unusual behavior of Soo Min after having a few too many drinks, sleep did not come to him quickly.